Though the Ruidoso area draws in many tourists looking to spend the day in the snow at Ski Apache around this time of year, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino has created a one-stop entertainment experience under its own roof.

“We’re trying to offer a little bit of something for everybody,” said the resort and casino’s special events manager Brian Cleckler.

The lobby instantly greets visitors with a stunning view of the snowcapped mountains settled behind the tranquil Mescalero Lake. Those who splurge for a superior room on the east side of the hotel, especially on the fifth or sixth floors, will be rewarded with the best views when waking up each morning.

Mescalero Apache influence is evident around the hotel with original works throughout the property and in the inn’s restaurants. Those looking for a culinary challenge can head to Smokey B’s Grill for a chance to conquer the 6-pound, 6-ounce Apache Taco. If you do it in an hour, you get it free along with your spot on the restaurant’s wall of fame. Other places to check out are Wendell’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant, Apache Tee Restaurant and Gathering of Nations Buffet, which draws long lines of hungry guests.

Event managers aim to please visitors across multiple generations with musical acts from a variety of country and classic rock backgrounds. Southern swooner Joe Nichols headlined in February, and LeAnn Rimes and REO Speedwagon are slated to play in March.

Though the snowcapped mountains bring in skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts all the way from Thanksgiving beyond spring break, outdoor activities keep visitors coming throughout the off season. Paddle boating, kayaking, hiking and fishing at Lake Mescalero are popular activities in the summer. Every Sunday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day brings visitors out to the lake for free concerts during Summer Under the Stars. Big Game Hunts throughout the season welcome visitors to experience the richness of the bull elk, cow elk, bears and turkeys on the reservation, which is supplemented by a sporting clay range at the inn.

“As it gets hotter in Texas, we definitely see our clientele switch, and we move to a more diverse crowd,” Cleckler said. “It’s a great escape from the heat.”

If the fareways are your vice, check out the Inn of the Mountain Gods 18-hole golf course settled among pine trees near the Sierra Blanca Peak, open from March through November. For the best rates, avoid holiday weekends and aim for dates in April, May and September.

If you haven’t already hiked, eaten, danced enough to call it a night, the 38,000-square foot casino awaits down the hall with poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and 1,000 slot machines. Club 49 Nightclub and Big Game Sports Bar are nearby for live entertainment and refreshment options at night.

“We realize that in today’s market that everybody has a lot of different places to go for a gaming experience,” Cleckler said. “What we want is the overall experience.”